OMEGA A.D.

OMEGA A.D. $lave (independent) Rating: NNNAmazing what a protracted stay in snoozy Guelph can do for your band's polish. Omega A.D. are an outfit from said bedroom community who, though not blindingly original, make smart, blistering metal that's way heavier than it ought to be, coming from just three guys. With lyrics that speak more to the working stiff than the Butt-head in the rec room -- a fact supported by the group's occasional use of acoustic guitars -- $lave is surprisingly conscious even as it steamrolls over everything in sight. Top shit, man.KH